What You'll Learn
- How to logically reverse a complex tendu and fondu sequence at the barre
- Techniques for maintaining balance and control during quick pivots
- How to use arm placement to assist and 'cheat' your pirouette rotations
- Methods for improving spatial awareness when transitioning into an arabesque
- Coordination strategies for linking a fouetté action with directional changes
About This Video
Ballet is as much a mental discipline as it is a physical one. In this Broche Ballet practice session, we dive into a challenging "Brainteaser" exercise designed to sharpen your coordination and spatial awareness. The focus of this 10-minute video is mastering the art of reversing a complex tendu and fondu combination at the barre. Many dancers find that while the initial pattern feels intuitive, the mental effort required to reverse the movement—changing front to back and rotating in the opposite direction—can be quite taxing.
The exercise begins with a structured tendu sequence that incorporates pivots and weight shifts. We break down the mechanics of the tendu front, which remains stable, versus the tendu side, which introduces a pivot on the open and close. By switching legs and focusing on the standing side, you will learn how to maintain your center of gravity during these quick transitions. This helps build the proprioception necessary for more advanced floor work and center combinations.
As we move into the fondu portion of the combination, we explore the relationship between the supporting leg and the working leg during a turn. You will practice making the pose before rotating the body to the front, ensuring your alignment remains vertical. When reversing this section, the movement transitions from a tendu back into a fondu that flips into an arabesque. This requires precise control of the back muscles and a clear understanding of your orientation at all times.
A highlight of this tutorial is the discussion on "cheating" your pirouette. We demonstrate how strategic arm placement can save a turn that feels off-balance. By using the right arm to initiate the momentum and the left arm to follow through, you can successfully navigate the en dehors and en dedans rotations. This practice is essential for developing the repère or spotting points that keep you oriented. Join Broche Ballet for this mental and physical workout to take your technique to the next level.
